Rainier - Cross Crusade #3

Rainier, OR - This fall is turning out to be quite a delight for cyclocrossers, with comfortable temps and lack of rain for the past two weekends. Certainly some are dreaming of a return of the mud, but dry racing certainly makes the cleanup simpler.

This particular race setting, held at Rainier High School was a spectacular venue complete with expansive grassy terrain, a brutal paved climb, some bumpy roots, off-camber corners, and uncharacteristically high-speed descending. Brilliant fall color and views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens added to the dramatic backdrop.

16 year old Andrew Bennett showed the crowds what he is made of, breaking out his tough-guy face while putting the hammer down for another WIN in the Junior category. Due to his rate of climbing speed, it would be easy to mistake him for one of the more advanced Category B racers, who were simultaneously racing on the course. Not yet, but just wait... soon he will be bumping elbows for the top step of that podium as well.

Luke DeMoe brought the Fixie again for the Singlespeed race. Unlike last week that was more technical and flat, he found it quite a different type of challenge due to the steep, sustained climbing as well as the high speed descent. It's difficult to pick the perfect gear for that, especially when it's impossible to coast! Luke toughed it out, placing an impressive 12th.

Justin Thayer made it through a race finally without a "flat tire gremlin" in his back pocket. And what a difference it made! Mr. Thayer picked his way around the flowing course with finesse, finishing in 40th in the Master's 35+ A category.

Despite another awesome front row call up, Chris Brandt had a rough day in the Men's A race. Not due to any sort of bike mechanical, this time it was just general fatigue combined with a stomach problem. Generally, climb-centric courses w/ minimal technical demands are not the place for Chris to shine, so it was a day of "hanging in there" and searching for something positive. That wasn't too hard considering this was such a spectacular course, and the crowd energy always counts for something. A 26th place finish, though not comparable to last week's result, is still decent. Hopefully some rest will bring things back together.

Next weekend, a double-header up in Astoria with races on Saturday AND Sunday... and Costumes! Should be fun.